The Kaleidoscope Kid: Focusing on the Strengths of Children with Asperger Syndrome and High-Functioning Autism October 21, 2008

“The Kaleidoscope Kid is written to remind children with Asperger Syndrome or high-functioning autism of their many special gifts and to make others aware of them, too.

These children possess a kaleidoscope of intellectual strengths and unique personality traits. Their outlook and creative ways are as variable and colorful as the view through a kaleidoscope.”

Larson The Kaleidoscope Kid

I hadn’t seen this book before we bought it for our elementary school guidance counselor. She and one of our intervention specialists were familiar with the author’s other book Chameleon Kid and had found it to be a successful read-aloud with primary students who are in inclusion kids with children with Asperger Syndrome or Autism. This book is presented as a series of attributes and related poems that celebrate positive traits of all children. One two page spread is K-I am Knowledgeable with a poem entitled Dinosaurus Infomaurus. Bright colors, and primary shapes will appeal to young children and the book would be great to use at the beginning of the year as you develop your classroom community. It would be a great book to use with guidance programs as you talk about how we are all unique.